Tennessee Early Childhood Program Administrator Credential (TECPAC)

The Tennessee Early Childhood Program Administrator Credential is the recognition awarded to early childhood administrators who have demonstrated the specific competencies for effective leadership and management through academics, experiences, and portfolio assessment.

Q: What part does the administrator credential play in the quality rating system?

High School Diploma, or equivalent, with a Child Development Associate credential or early Childhood Technical Certificate or equivalent, and seven years experience administering an early care and/or education program; or

Associate's Degree in a relevant area and four years experience administering an early care and/or education program; or

Bachelor's Degree or higher in a relevant area and two years experience administering an early care and/or education program. or

Primary caregivers and administrators have an annually updated Professional Development Plan that includes training hours that support the goals of the plan.

Completes 20 hours training each year in addition to the Department's annual training requirements.

The primary caregiver maintains membership and documented participation in a family care support group and/or local, state or national association.

Complies with one of the following:

The primary caregiver holds a current Child Development Associate credential and/or an Early Childhood Technical Certificate or equivalent; or an Associate's Degree or higher and 2 years experience in early care and/or other education program.

The primary caregiver completed all Child Development Associate credential course work and has applied for testing or has completed testing and is awaiting the results.

The primary caregiver has completed and submitted all renewal requirements and is awaiting renewal from the Child Development Associate Credential Council.

Q: Will the administrator credential help me earn national accreditation?

A: Early childhood program administrators who have earned a state issued administrator credential, have multiple years of experience, and a minimum of an associate degree will be able to meet the alternate pathway required for National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation standards.

Q: Why does Tennessee need a state issued administrator credential?

A: State leadership at the Department of Human Services acknowledges the well documented relationship between overall administrative practices and quality outcomes for children and families. The state credential provides another level of recognition as part of the quality rating system.